Alan Sharpe's Grant Writing Masterclass

If you are wondering if you should take this masterclass on grant writing, just consider the top-six reasons that funders give for rejecting grant proposals.

1. Misalignment with Funder Priorities. Proposals fail because the project doesn't align closely with the funder’s mission, strategy, or desired impact, even if the proposal is well-written.

2. Lack of Compelling Evidence. Successful proposals must demonstrate need, impact and effectiveness using data, case studies and evaluation plans. Many nonprofits don’t know how to gather this evidence, or they present it poorly.

3. Weak Statement of Need or Solution. A vague or poorly defined problem, or a solution that seems unrealistic, unfocused or unsustainable, quickly disqualifies your proposal.

4. Budget Issues. When your budget doesn’t align with your narrative, when it lacks detail, when it seems padded or unrealistic, you sink an otherwise great proposal.

5. Number five: Poor Writing and Organization. Funders read dozens, even hundreds, of grant proposals. If your proposal is hard to follow, lacks clarity, or is riddled with jargon or typos, funders will set aside and refuse to fund your project.

6. Failure to Follow Instructions: Missing required documents, ignoring word limits, or using the wrong format, results in automatic rejection, regardless of how well your proposal is written.

These six reasons are the bad news. But the good news is that you can learn to write grant proposals that get funded.

Alan Sharpe's Grant Writing Masterclass is for aspiring grant writers. It’s your step-by-step guide to crafting grant proposals that stand out, speak to funders, and secure the support your nonprofit needs to grow.

The course is based on my book of the same name. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a fundraiser who wants to sharpen your skills, this course teaches you how to plan, write and tailor every section of a grant proposal with confidence.

Based on over 40 years of real-world experience, this masterclass walks you through the entire grant-writing process, from understanding the grantmaking ecosystem to writing the proposal to submitting it successfully.

I’m your instructor, Alan Sharpe. I have written dozens of successful grant proposals over the past 40 years. I’ve worked for five non-profits as an in-house fundraiser and I’ve spoken internationally as a fundraising consultant. I’ve written multiple books and handbooks on fundraising, and I’m passionate about helping non-profits tell their stories and secure the funding they need to change the world.

Course Structure
I’ve structured this masterclass into clear, practical sections that mirror the grant-writing process. Over the space of almost six hours, I cover everything you need to know to write successful grant proposals. I introduce you to key concepts, define terms, describe common mistakes to avoid, and teach you dozens of best practices.

Introduction to Grant Writing
Learn the fundamentals—how grants work, who gives them, and why writing winning proposals is essential for nonprofit survival and growth.

Writing the Organization Description
Position your nonprofit as credible and capable. Craft a clear, funder-focused description that showcases your mission, programs, expertise, and capacity to deliver results.

Crafting the Statement of Need
Make your case by clearly defining the problem you aim to solve. Learn how to use data and human stories to demonstrate urgency and align with funder priorities.

Writing the Project Description
Translate your ideas into action. Describe your project plan, target outcomes, and expected impact—backed by timelines, strategies, and facts.

Establishing Goals & Objectives
Set SMART goals that reflect both your mission and the funder’s intent. You’ll learn to write measurable, achievable objectives that clarify what success looks like.

Writing the Evaluation Plan
Show funders how you’ll track progress, measure results, and use data to improve. Learn how to create a logic model and evaluation strategy funders trust.

Writing the Sustainability Plan
Prove your project has staying power. Discover how to assure funders that their investment will deliver long-term impact beyond the grant period.

Crafting the Budget
Build a transparent, funder-friendly budget—complete with direct and indirect costs, a clear narrative, and matching gift/in-kind strategies.

Throughout this masterclass, I use dozens of examples from a wide variety of non-profit organizations. Health charities. Arts organizations. Environmental non-profits. International NGOs. Charities that work with seniors, charities that work with at-risk youth, charities that work with women of color experiencing domestic abuse in the southside of Chicago. In other words, this masterclass is based on real-world non-profits writing grant proposals to meet real-world needs. It’s comprehensive, practical, and, above all, helpful.

By the end of this masterclass, you’ll be able to write a compelling, funder-aligned proposal that avoids the top-six blunders, increases your odds of success, and helps your non-profit make a greater impact.

If you’re ready to stop fumbling and start winning grants, enroll now.